WWF position on shale gas in the EU: Keep Pandora’s Box firmly shut

In this position paper, WWF makes the case that there is no convincing science-based evidence that development of shale gas in the EU and its Member States would be compatible with short and long term decarbonisation of EU energy supply or with a move to help stay well below 2 degrees of global warming.

The economic benefits of shale gas have been overstated, which could inhibit moves toward sustainable energy. Furthermore, we are concerned about the various demonstrated and potential negative impacts which may pose unacceptable risks to people and the environment at local level.

Illustration from the brochure on the trade-offs of shale gas extraction